My Roof Is Leaking – What Should I Do?

Is your roof leaking? If so, you may be overwhelmed and stressed, unsure of the best process to follow to contain and repair the leak.

Roof leaks can range from mild to severe. However, leaving these issues unaddressed will undoubtedly worsen the damage, leading to a more expensive, time-consuming repair process in the long run.

The best course of action after noticing a roof leak is to contact a roof replacement Springfield contractor as soon as possible. However, while you are waiting for the contractor to arrive, you can take a few steps to minimize damage and contain the leak, in the meantime.

Read on to learn a few signs of a roof leak and what you should do after noticing a leak in your home. Then, be sure to contact our team at NOVA Exteriors today to learn about our roof renovation, repair, and replacement services in the Springfield, VA, area.

Signs of a Roof Leak

Many people think that if their roof were leaking, they would immediately notice the problem. However, it can sometimes be challenging to determine if a drip or leak in your home is due to roof damage or some other source. Further, you may be experiencing a roof leak even if you have not noticed any apparent drips or cracks.

Here are a few signs that may indicate that your roof is leaking:

•     Water spots on the ceiling
•     Cracked, damaged, or missing shingles
•     Wet roof decking
•     Drips from the ceiling
•     Water spots on interior or exterior walls

Whether you are sure that your leak is due to roof damage or not, we recommend contacting an exterior contractor to assess the issue professionally. Calling a contractor right away can streamline your repair process and prevent the leak from worsening over time.

7 Essential Steps to Take When Your Roof Is Leaking

Acting quickly and taking the necessary steps is essential to containing your roof leak and preventing further damage. Here are seven steps to take to minimize the damage from a roof leak.

1. Move Furniture and Items Out of the Way

If a roof leak is creating water damage within your home, your first step should be to move any furniture or other valuable items out of the line of fire. Doing so will ensure that the leak does not create any unnecessary damage while you wait for a repair professional to arrive.

If there are items in the room that you cannot move, such as heavy furniture or attached fixtures, you can place plastic sheeting or tarps over them to prevent water damage.

2. Contain the Leak

Once you have cleared items out of the way of the leak, your next step is to contain the leak to prevent water from damaging your carpet and other flooring. Place a bucket under the leak to catch the water as it enters through your roof. If the leak is steady and fast, you may want to place a large storage tub under the leak instead.

3. Call a Roofing Contractor

Attempting to diagnose the problem yourself will inevitably be a waste of your time. Once you have contained the leak as much as possible, your next step is to contact a roofing contractor to assess the leak.

Contractors have the necessary expertise and equipment to evaluate the problem and recommend the best solution. They will be able to determine whether your leak is from a crack in the roof or another water source, giving you precise information about the nature of the issue.

When you call our team at NOVA Exteriors, we will come to your Northern Virginia property as soon as possible to evaluate the damage and help you determine the best next steps for your roof repairs. If your roof damage has occurred due to a storm, heavy winds, or hail, we can also help you negotiate with your insurance company to receive fair value compensation for your damage.

4. Document the Damage

While you wait for a roofer to arrive, another active step you can take is to document the roof damage for your insurance company. Take photos of any signs of the leak, such as dripping water, water spots, and missing shingles. These photos will provide evidence of the damage that you can eventually turn in to your insurance company.

5. Relieve Water Pressure

You may notice a bulge or bubble in your ceiling at the site of the leak. A bulge may indicate that water is pooling within the ceiling, creating a pressurized area that will eventually pop. Leaving this bulge unattended can lead the damage to spread to other areas of your ceiling.

Instead, we recommend puncturing the bulge with a screwdriver to drain out the water and relieve pressure. Place a bucket under the area, then carefully poke the screwdriver tip into the pooled area. You may need to create several punctures to release all the water.

6. Cover the Problem Area with a Tarp

If the roofing contractor you call cannot arrive for several days, you may want to place a tarp over the roof leak area to prevent any additional water from leaking in. Wait until the roof is safe to access, then lay a tarp over the crack or hole creating the leak. You should also keep calling other roofers to see if you can find one that delivers same-day service.

If you cannot find the problem area, evaluate where the water is leaking inside the house and estimate the roof area directly above the leak.

7. Consider a Roof Replacement

If your roof is leaking, there is a good chance that it needs some serious repair. As a result, it may be time to consider a new roof installation or complete roof home improvement service.

At NOVA Exteriors, we offer roof installations for homeowners in Springfield and throughout Northern Virginia. Our team uses the finest quality materials from CertainTeed Materials Corporation. Hiring our team for a roof replacement can provide the following benefits:

•     Improve your roof’s safety
•     Increase your property value
•     Reduce your energy costs
•     Prevent leaks and other problems

A new roof replacement could be an excellent investment for your home, and we’re prepared to walk you through every step of that process if you need one. Contacting our roofing repair company for a free roof estimate is an effective way to determine if installing a new roof is a smart move for your Springfield property.

Contact NOVA Exteriors today at 703-322-1500 to schedule your estimate or learn more about our roof replacement services in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and throughout Washington, D.C.

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